When it comes to showcasing the latest agricultural products and services, equipment and technology, few events can match Penn State’s Agricultural Progress Days, scheduled for August 9-11 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Rock Springs in Center County. .
With nearly 500 trade and educational exhibits and a variety of field demonstrations and workshops, growers can walk away with new knowledge and ideas to improve their operations, according to Ag Progress Days manager Jesse Darlington.
Exhibitors cover virtually every product category including agricultural machinery, milking systems, animal genetics, storage structures, seed, feed, implements, trailers, sprayers, mixers, livestock buildings, utility vehicles, fertilizers, fencing, financial products, insurance, etc.
“Our hopes are high for another impressive Ag Progress Days,” Darlington said. “We know there are still challenges ahead, such as high fuel prices, but we expect great interest and participation from producers, industry and the public. We especially appreciate the support of our exhibitors in making Ag Progress Days a success.
Field demonstrations are well attended and allow potential buyers to see and compare equipment in action, such as hay mowers, rakes and tedders, hay balers and bale handlers. New demonstrations this year include small grain combines and large square balers.
Popular search tours will be offered again, Darlington noted. These free daily tours will allow visitors to see production and management practices being studied by Penn State researchers at the surrounding 2,400-acre Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center. Tour participants are transported by bus, but most tours require walking or standing.
Topics will include tunnel fruit and vegetable production, equine pastures and uplands, forest management, stream buffers and native grasses, habitat management for deer and other wildlife and hop research.
Darlington encourages growers attending Ag Progress Days to ask questions of Penn State faculty experts and extension educators and to discuss with experts the latest research findings, best practices, business issues and government regulations that could affect their operations. Information will be available on issues related to dairy, animal and crop production; animal health; soil conservation; water quality; and agricultural renewable energies.
Sponsored by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Rock Springs, 9 miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. am August 9; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on August 10; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 11. Admission and parking are free.
For more information, visit the Ag Progress Days website. Twitter users can find and share information about the event using the hashtag #agprogressdays, and the event can also be found on Facebook (@AgProgressDays).
